ABOUT

“If you want to see some sin, forget about Paris and go to Kansas City”– Edward Morrow, Omaha World Herald, 1938

Kansas City – The world’s most sophisticated cowtown bares her soul and demonstrates how she became known as the Paris of the Plains.

The Paris of the Plains Cocktail Festival (POP Fest) is an annual celebration of the art of the cocktail, food and music all of which have flourished in Kansas City since the jazz era. POP Fest was founded by local bartenders Doug Frost, Ryan Maybee and Brandon Cummins to promote the craft of bartending in Kansas City, and had its roots in a regional competition. Still a highlight of the event, the Paris of the Plains Bartending Competition has evolved into an up close-and-personal showcase of the country’s most creative bartenders, and POP Fest now encompasses four days of educational seminars by world experts; after-hour jazz and music parties for the late night set; and oh so lively competition such as the Midwest Melee, a multi-city cocktail smackdown.

The 2016 Paris of the Plains Cocktail Festival is happening August 26 – 29, 2016.

POP Fest encourages you to drink responsibly and with moderation. Please do NOT drink and drive, use a designated driver or a taxi service (like UBER). And please be careful when crossing the street after drinking.